A retired U.S. Army civilian shared his personal experience with the retirement process with Army civilians who serve at the premier Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) command, March 5. Michael R. Williams, who previously served in the 20th CBRNE Command’s G6 Communications Directorate, spoke at the monthly Army civilian professional development session at the 20th CBRNE Command Headquarters on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. U.S. Army photo by Marshall R. Mason.

FORT RILEY, Kan. – The Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA) encourages Army civilian employees to begin retirement planning early to ensure a smooth transition. The Army Benefits Center-Civilian (ABC-C) offers resources to help navigate benefits, timelines and options. Information is available on the ABC-C website.

"Retirement is a very important topic, it is a hard-earned benefit," said Cary Stone, ABC-C Director. "It is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with this information. An educated workforce is a better prepared workforce."

Dr. Joseph Long, Retired Supervisory Research Physiologist, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, stands with his colleagues from WRAIR’s Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch as they present him with gifts during his surprise retirement celebration, held at WRAIR in Silver Spring, Maryland, January 30, 2025. Dr. Long served both in the military and as a civilian, spending over 35 years as a scientist at WRAIR. His retirement celebration was attended by many of his coworkers, mentees, and friends, as well as his wife, son, and daughter. He was presented with his certificate of retirement, the Civilian Career Service Award, and many gifts and mementos. Many of Dr. Long’s coworkers and mentees also spoke in appreciation of his leadership and mentorship during his time serving WRAIR.
(U.S. Army photo by Hannah Covington/RELEASED)

We have compiled some points about a voluntary retirement to consider, however every situation is unique, so really understanding your options and elections is key. Your choices can significantly impact your annuity amount.

Retirement Estimates: Request an estimate from the ABC-C within five years of eligibility, and every three years after. This helps verify service records and assess deposit requirements. The estimate reflects current salary and leave but doesn't project future increases. Access the Government Retirement and Benefits (GRB) Platform via the ABC-C homepage to request an estimate. Contact the ABC-C directly for complex service histories (part-time, intermittent, or refunded service). Estimates are not binding or an application for retirement.

Annuity Start Date: The start date depends on your retirement system:

  • Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS): If retiring voluntarily, select the first, second, third, or last day of the month. The annuity begins accruing the following day. Retiring on any other date will delay annuity accrual until the following month.
  • Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): If retiring voluntarily on the last day of the month, the annuity begins accruing on the first day of the following month. Retiring on any other date delays annuity accrual until the following month.

The "Date of Final Separation" is your last working day. Most of the retirement processing begins after this date with most retirees receiving their full annuity within three to five months, according to the Office of Personnel management website.

When to apply: There is a new Online Retirement Application (ORA) process on the Government Retirement and Benefits (GRB), now, you will start your application once you are within six months of your estimated retirement date.

When in GRB, the "ORA Request Form" must be dowloaded from the "Resource Library" filled out and uploaded when you start your request. Next, you will simply click on the "Requests" icon at the top left, once there, click on "New Requests" and from the drop-down menu select “Online Retirement Application Request”.

Civilian Deposit/Redeposit Service: Address any outstanding deposits for temporary civilian service or redeposits for refunded retirement contributions before retirement.

  • CSRS: For unpaid deposit service before Oct. 1, 1982, contact OPM upon receiving your Civil Service Annuity (CSA) number to make the payment, or face a permanent annuity reduction. OPM will notify you of unpaid deposit service on or after Oct. 1, 1982, and unpaid redeposits performed on or after March 1, 1991.
  • FERS: Opportunity will be given to pay for temporary service before Jan. 1, 1989. A deposit cannot be made for temporary service after Jan. 1, 1989.
  • Both CSRS and FERS: If you are within six months of retirement you can initiate your Online Retirement Application (ORA) request through the GRB platform.

Charles Hudson, chief of staff, 88th Regional Support Command, talks to those attending a retirement training seminar, June 2, in the 88th RSC headquarters auditorium. The seminar is part of Pre-Retirement Planning Training, June 2-4, which is intended to prepare upcoming civilian and military technician retirees with information about retirement services as they prepare to exit the federal job system.

Records: Include all relevant service documentation (DD214s, deposit payment statements) with your retirement application. "Prior service" notations on DD214s are insufficient. Military deposits must be paid in full before retirement. Make a copy of your documents in eOPF, and don’t forget to save the password to access the documents later.

Address: Correct any address inaccuracies in myPay before retirement. After separation, update your address at www.servicesonline.opm.gov after receiving your CSA number and PIN.

Direct Deposit: Change banks in myPay at least a month before retirement. If less than a month, submit a new direct deposit form (SF 1199A) to OPM after receiving your CSA number.

Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB): To continue FEHB, be enrolled in a plan and covered on your retirement date, with continuous coverage for the five years preceding retirement or since your first opportunity to enroll.

Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI): Continue FEGLI if you retire on an immediate annuity, are insured on your retirement date, and have been continuously covered for the five years preceding retirement or since your first opportunity to enroll. Use the FEGLI calculator at www.opm.gov/retirement-services/calculators/fegli-calculator/ to assess coverage needs.

Other Benefits:

  • FEDVIP (Dental/Vision): Contact BENEFEDS at 1-877-888-3337 one week before retirement.
  • LTCI (Long-Term Care): Contact LTC Partners at 1-800-582-3337.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Terminates on your retirement date.

FERS Annuity Supplement: The FERS Annuity Supplement is a temporary benefit paid to eligible federal civilian employees who retire under FERS before becoming eligible for Social Security benefits, typically at age 62.

To qualify for the supplement, a FERS employee must meet specific age and service requirements at retirement. Common scenarios include:

  • Retiring at their Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with 30 years of service.
  • Retiring at their MRA with 10 years of service (under certain conditions, such as early optional retirement).
  • Special provisions apply for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers, who may be eligible at younger ages with fewer years of service.

Survivor Benefits: Options include pension survivor benefits (CSRS and FERS), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) inheritance, and potential eligibility for FEHB, FEGLI, and Basic Employee Death Benefit (BEDB). Employees can choose full, reduced, or no survivor benefits, which affect the employee's retirement annuity and the survivor's benefit amount.

Taxes: OPM withholds federal tax at the rate of married with three exemptions unless you submit a W-4P. Some states allow voluntary withholding of state tax.

Leave: Unlike our uniformed counterparts, there is no "terminal leave". You will receive a lump-sum payment for accrued annual leave after your date of separation. Unused sick leave is converted to service credit.

Retiree Interim Pay/Payment Schedule: OPM authorizes recurring interim payments (60-70% of your regular monthly annuity payment) until final processing. Expect payments six to eight weeks after your retirement date, assuming timely submission of a complete application. You should receive your full annuity within three to five months after your separation date. Ensure you have a financial plan to cover the gap.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A withdrawal package will be sent after separation. Visit www.tsp.gov for more information.

Social Security: Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov for information.

"Planning for retirement can seem daunting, but by taking the time to understand your benefits and options, you can ensure a financially secure and fulfilling retirement," said K. Kelly Nzerem, Director, Consolidated Services Division, Civilian Human Resources Agency. "The ABC-C is here to support you every step of the way."

Resources:

This article provides general information and should not be considered a substitute for personalized review. Contact the ABC-C or other relevant agencies for specific guidance on your individual circumstances.